Macy's to open on Thanksgiving Day, becoming latest retailer to kick off Black Friday early (poll)

Macy's plans to open most of its stores on Thanksgiving night this year to give shoppers a jump on Black Friday shopping. (File)

Macy's said Monday that it will open its doors for Black
Friday shopping early this year -- on Thanksgiving Day.

The retailer is the latest to join a growing trend in recent years.
Stores are competing for consumers' time, attention and money on the lucrative
day-after-Thanksgiving shopping spree, which is considered the kickoff to the
holiday shopping season.

Macy's said most of its stores will open at 8 p.m. on the
night of Thanksgiving, "after families across the country have finished
their holiday meals and celebrations."

The company's statement added that the move is consistent
with other retailers. Stores that have opened their doors on Thanksgiving Day
in past years include Kmart, Target, Walmart and Toys R Us.

This year, the National Retail Federation expects a modest 3.9 percent increase in holiday sales. But the organization notes that its forecast hinges on the outcome of the federal government shutdown and other political factors, such as negotiations on the debt ceiling.

What do you think of the continued trend of early Black Friday shopping? Do you plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day?